JOB DESCRIPTION
A Young Professional is in place to provide a first professional experience in an international setting for young professionals (up to 35 years old) holding a Bachelor’s Degree. IUCN will ask for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years of experience for this type of contract. IUCN is committed to providing all YPs with a quality experience that involves meaningful work and activities with the opportunity to learn and gain practical work experience in an international setting.
YPs will be provided with clearly defined Terms of Reference (TORs). They will be adequately supervised by a suitable identified Senior Unit/Programme/Group staff member, who will monitor their progress, ensure that they contribute effectively and resolve any concerns they may have throughout their assignment with IUCN.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The role will focus on three core areas; digital communications, event support, as well as project-specific communications.
Digital communications (30%)
1.Coordinate the Water and Wetlands Team communications strategy and develop a content calendar, in collaboration with IUCN’s Global Communications Unit, ensuring alignment with global communications strategies.
2.Collaborate with colleagues across HQ and regional offices to create content; write, edit, and upload articles, blogs, and case studies. Update and publish content on the Water and Wetlands Team’s webpages, including the Water Knowledge Platform (waterandwetlands.org) and iucn.org/water. Ensure that all content: text, images, and multimedia, is current, accurate, and optimised for readability and accessibility.
3.Assist with creative media development, including visual storytelling features and social media content. Manage professional social media accounts such as IUCN Water and Wetlands LinkedIn and the S2S Platform LinkedIn, ensuring regular and timely updates.
Project communications (30%)
1.Assist in the drafting and implementation of project communication strategies and content calendars for key IUCN Water initiatives, including the BRIDGE Programme, the SUSTAIN Initiative, and others.
2.Support the development of communication products such as articles, infographics, and videos for the above-mentioned initiatives.
3.Support drafting, revision, and quality assurance of project publications, including brochures, case studies, policy briefings, and reports.
Conference and event support (20%)
1.Support the coordination and development of content, events, sessions, and pavilions for international conferences. Coordinate recurring planning meetings and track event submissions and responses.
2.Prepare and implement communication plans for events, including the development of flyers and promotional content on LinkedIn and other relevant media. Support the creation of professional PowerPoint presentations for events.
3.Assist with logistical and administrative tasks related to conference and event management.
The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of a staff member’s responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member and the Human Resources Management Group. Anyone of the three may initiate the consultation. REQUIREMENTS • In order to be eligible for the Young Professional Programme, candidates must:
a)Hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent);
b)Have a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years’ relevant experience after obtaining their bachelor's degree;
c)Be under 35 years of age at the moment they apply for the Young Professional position;
d)Be fluent in one of the three IUCN languages (English, Spanish and French).
Education:
University degree in communications, digital media, event management, or a related field, with a demonstrated interest in nature conservation, sustainable water management, and governance.
Desired Experience & Technical Skills:
•Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress and Drupal, including experience updating, maintaining, and optimising website content.
•Experience creating, managing, and scheduling content for professional social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn.
•Strong writing and editing skills for digital platforms, with the ability to ensure clarity, readability, and alignment with organisational standards and tone of voice.
•Experience creating or supporting the development of visual content, including infographics, videos, and other multimedia materials.
•Experience using AI tools in communications work, with demonstrated adaptability, willingness to learn, and openness to adopting new digital tools.
•Basic graphic design skills, with experience using tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud (or similar design software).
•Event coordination experience, including organising meetings, tracking submissions, and supporting logistical and communication tasks for large-scale or multi-stakeholder events.
Other desired Skills:
•Project coordination: Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and effectively communicate with team members and stakeholders across various locations.
•Attention to detail: Ability to identify and address inconsistencies or errors in content, design, and event logistics, ensuring alignment with organizational guidelines.
•Adaptability: Willingness to learn new tools, adapt to emerging tasks, and work in a dynamic, fast-paced international environment.
•Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity and understanding of working in an international, multicultural context. SALARY The gross annual salary for this position is CHF 60'000, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.